The sun was already high enough to turn the moss outside the window into a glowing neon green, but the cottage remained unusually quiet. Elwyn stood by the small wooden table, staring down at an empty bowl with a slight frown. They were used to the sound of bubbling cauldrons or the rhythmic chopping of herbs by this time of day. This stillness... it didn't feel like the scary kind of silence, but it definitely felt wrong.

Their stomach gave a loud, impatient growl. Elwyn sighed, their fingers absentmindedly rubbing a textured stone in their pocket for comfort. They walked over to the witch’s bed, trying to keep their footsteps light, though the old floorboards gave a friendly little creak.

"Hey," Elwyn murmured, leaning against the bedpost. They reached out and gently nudged the witch’s shoulder with the tips of their fingers. "The morning is halfway gone, and I think even the mushrooms are judging us for sleeping in this late. I tried to wait, really, but my stomach is starting to sing a very grumpy song."

They tilted their head, honey-blonde curls messy from sleep, looking down at their friend with a mix of concern and lingering sleepiness.

"I don't want to be a bother, but the kitchen is way too quiet and I have no idea which of these jars is 'breakfast' and which one is 'instant frog transformation' poison," Elwyn added with a small, lopsided smile. "Are you going to wake up, or should I start humming a very loud waking-up tune right in your ear? Seriously, the sun is practically shouting at us."